Virgin Sangria

Christmas holiday is just around the corner. That goes without saying that many of us will be attending parties and gatherings with friends and families. Naturally, beverages come in major play during feasting. I am sure most of us are tired of those sugar loaded carbonated drinks out in the market. Have you ever thought of serving your guests with something more special? A concoction that will wow them and yet won't cause you a bomb? 

Look no further! I might just have the perfect drink formula for you! I have created this new drink which is non alcoholic (Yay! The kids can enjoy too!), no sugar added, super refreshing and so pretty that it might just the limelight on your dinning table. 

May I present you... my Virgin Sangria!

This drink does not require you to squeeze or blend any fresh fruit juices. All you need to do is get MARIGOLD PEEL FRESH juices and some fresh fruits. Super convenient and flavours are spot on, no sugar added and yet sweet enough to satisfy your sweet tooth. And with the addition of fresh fruit slices that will macerate into the juices, it will infused the flavour even more. This virgin sangria is really fruity and delicious, it might even make you forget the alcoholic version. Oh yes!

Let's take a look at what we need to make this delicious drink shall we?

Recipe for Virgin Sangria (Serves 5-6 pax)

500 ml (2 cups) MARIGOLD PEEL FRESH Cranberry juice

375 ml (1 1/2 cup) MARIGOLD PEEL FRESH No Sugar Added Apple juice

125 ml (1/2 cup) MARIGOLD PEEL FRESH Lime juice

1 small bunch of balm mint leaves

1 lemon, thinly sliced in rounds with peel

1 orange, thinly sliced in rounds with peel

1 small Apple, cored, sliced into cubed

1 can of club soda or sparkling mineral

• Wash all the fruits and scrap the skin if necessary since the whole fruit including the peel will be added into the drink.

• To make the fruits release it's juices easier, roll the citruses on the chopping board to loosen the pulps.

• Slice all the fruits. Orange, lemon and lime in thin circular rounds. Core the apple and cut into cubes.

• Carefully place all the fruits and 3/4 of the mint leaves into the pitcher. Reserved mint leaves can be used for garnish later.

• Measure all the MARIGOLD PEEL FRESH fruit juices. Add in all the juices into the pitcher with all the fruit slices. 

• Use a stirrer to mash the fruits and mint leaves down so that some of it's juices and peel essences are infused into the fruit juice mixture. Do not over mash it as you still want the fruit slices in the drink to be presentable during the party.

• Next you let the drink chill in the fridge for a good 2-3 hours so as to let the flavours marry and come together.

• When you are ready to serve, remove the pitcher from the fridge and add a can of club soda. Do a quick stir to combine.

• Get ready all the drinking cups, pour and serve to your guests. Prep some fresh fruits like strawberries or lime slices for garnish if necessary. Use fancy straws if you have them. Enjoy!
  

If you like to keep the drink cold during the party, all you need to do is freeze some MARIGOLD PEEL FRESH No Sugar Added Apple juice into the ice cube trays. So when you serve your drinks, just pop a couple of the Apple juice ice cubes in. Those apple juice ice cubes will keep the drink cold and will not dilute it at all. Cool!

My family really enjoyed the drink. Super refreshing and goes well with most of the food since the flavour is not overpowering at all. 

This drink is not only going to quench your thirst, but it will also make your guests go wow. So forget those sugar loaded soft drinks, make you own Virgin Sangria and make your party guests "beg" for the recipe. 

Try this out and feel free to let me know how you like it. And remember to have fun while making this! 

Cheers